Revealing the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor β/δ in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a form of chronic liver disease that occurs in individualswith no significant alcohol abuse, has become an increasing concern for global health. NAFLD is defined as the presence of lipid deposits in hepatocytes and it ranges from hepatic steatosis (fatty liver) to steatohepatitis. Emerging data from both preclinical studies and clinical trials suggest that the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)beta/delta plays an important role in the control of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in liver, and its activation might hinder the progression of NAFLD. Here, we review the latest information on the effects of PPAR beta/delta on NAFLD, including its capacity to reduce lipogenesis, to alleviate inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum stress, to ameliorate insulin resistance, and to attenuate liver injury. Because of these effects, activation of hepatic PPAR beta/delta through synthetic or natural ligands provides a promising therapeutic option for the management of NAFLD. (C) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

NAFLD is a chronic liver disease characterized by lipid deposits in hepatocytes, with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) beta/delta playing a crucial role in controlling liver carbohydrate and lipid metabolism to potentially hinder NAFLD progression. Activation of hepatic PPAR beta/delta through synthetic or natural ligands shows promise as a therapeutic option for managing NAFLD.